Former Vikings offensive coordinator Brian Billick said this of the current state of the Vikings’ offense: “I think it’s time to start holding Christian Ponder accountable. But only if they give him the proper weapons. Percy Harvin is a heck of a weapon. And when he was healthy, he was a great way to go. They don’t have that big shot down the field. They were hoping Jerome Simpson could be that. They don’t have that. That’s got to be a top priority. For me, I’ve got to come out with a big play weapon down the field.”

Said Panthers coach Ron Rivera of the need for a defensive tackle in the draft, “I think it’s a need. Is it one of our top needs? We’ll see as we go through the free agency process and the process of scouting these college football players. But I do know having stout, physical defensive linemen is important. Just ask the linebackers. They’ll tell you how important it is so they can run and make plays.”